(E-151/01)
July 12, 2001

RUSSIA TO DONATE VEHICLES FOR 
OAS NATIONAL OFFICES

Ambassador Yuri V. Ushakov,  the Russian Federation's Permanent Observer to the Organization of American States (OAS), will present the Organization with more than a dozen NIVA motor vehicles for OAS offices in various member states.

The gift of Russian-made vehicles will be used for travel to remote and hard-to-reach areas where the OAS runs special projects in member states.  These projects are being managed by the OAS' national offices which also serve as liaison between OAS Headquarters and local authorities in the host countries.

            The Organization's programs and projects have benefited from Russian assistance and contributions since 1992, the year that government obtained observer status with the Organization of Western Hemisphere nations.

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